We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Skyler Paladino. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Skyler below.

Skyler, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I learned to do what I do primarily through hands-on experience and a lot of trial and error. When I started creating content on TikTok, I didn’t have a formal background in food or videography. I just knew I had a passion for food and wanted to share that in a way that was accessible to everyone. I watched countless tutorials on editing, filming, and recipe development. Along the way, I also absorbed tips from other creators and food bloggers who had been in the space for longer.

Looking back, I realize that surrounding myself with mentors or a community of like-minded creators earlier in the process would have significantly sped up my learning curve. I learned a lot on my own, but having access to advice from those with more experience could have helped me avoid some of the common mistakes and inefficiencies. Networking and collaborating with others earlier would have been a huge advantage.

As for essential skills, consistency, adaptability, and communication were key. Being consistent in both creating content and engaging with my audience built trust and a loyal following. Adaptability was critical as social media trends and algorithms are always changing. I had to be open to adjusting my approach to stay relevant. Communication, both with my audience and with the businesses I collaborate with, has also been vital. Understanding what resonates with people and how to present it effectively has been a big part of my success.

One of the biggest obstacles in learning more was self-doubt and overthinking. When you’re putting yourself out there, it’s easy to second-guess your content or worry it won’t connect with your audience. Early on, that held me back from experimenting more and taking risks. Once I started embracing the idea that not everything has to be perfect, I was able to create more freely, which led to faster growth and learning.

Ultimately, learning what I do has been a process of continuous improvement. Every video, post, or collaboration has taught me something new, and I’m always looking for ways to grow and refine my skills.

Skyler, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi! I’m Skye, and I started my journey as a food creator on TikTok under the handle @cookwithskye. I began by sharing simple, relatable recipes that anyone could make at home, with the goal of making cooking feel approachable and fun. What started as a way to share my love of food quickly evolved into a platform that highlights not only easy-to-make recipes but also my love for exploring local food scenes, especially in Arizona. I love working with local businesses, sharing hidden gems with my audience, and introducing people to great food spots they might not have known about.

As a food creator, I provide content creation that includes recipe development, food photography, video production, and collaborations with local restaurants and brands. Whether it’s a step-by-step guide to making a delicious meal at home or a feature on a local business, my content is all about connecting people with great food. For the restaurants and food brands I collaborate with, I help tell their story through authentic, engaging content that resonates with both my followers and potential customers. My aim is to bridge the gap between food creators and local food communities.

What sets me apart is my focus on accessibility and community. I’m all about making sure that food doesn’t feel intimidating—anyone can cook, and anyone can find joy in exploring new flavors and places. I’m proud of the fact that my content helps people feel more confident in the kitchen, but also helps promote small, local businesses that may not always get the spotlight they deserve. I love that I can offer a platform that benefits both home cooks and local food entrepreneurs.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the relationships I’ve built with local restaurants and artisans. Working with them has allowed me to bring fresh, unique content to my audience while also supporting the food community here in Arizona. I’m also proud of how my content has grown from just recipe tutorials to full food experiences, incorporating everything from local food finds to culinary adventures.

The main things I want people to know about me and my brand are that I’m here to make food fun and accessible, and I’m passionate about showcasing the incredible food culture around me. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy recipe or want to discover a new restaurant in Arizona, I’ve got you covered. My brand is all about celebrating food in every form—from home-cooked meals to exploring the best local eats—and making it something everyone can enjoy.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my audience on social media, particularly TikTok, was a journey that started with a simple goal: to share food that anyone could make at home. I knew I wanted to create recipes that were approachable and didn’t require fancy ingredients or equipment. When I posted my first few videos, I didn’t overthink it. I focused on being authentic—showing my personality and sharing food in a way that felt real and relatable.

What really helped me grow was staying consistent. I made it a point to post regularly, even when some videos didn’t perform as well as others. I realized early on that not every piece of content will go viral, and that’s okay. What matters is showing up and continuing to create. I also paid attention to what my audience responded to. When I saw that a particular recipe or type of content was getting more engagement, I leaned into that and made more of what people clearly enjoyed. At the same time, I always stayed true to my original vision—making food content that’s easy, fun, and inclusive.

Another key factor was engaging with my followers. I responded to comments, asked questions, and made an effort to build a sense of community. I wanted people to feel like they were part of something, not just watching another cooking video. That interaction fostered loyalty and helped my audience grow organically.

Collaborating with local food businesses and other creators also played a huge role in building my audience. Featuring restaurants, chefs, and food spots in Arizona brought in a new wave of followers who were interested in the local food scene, and it created opportunities for cross-promotion. It also made my content more dynamic and gave me a chance to support the local community, which is something I’m passionate about.

For anyone just starting to build their social media presence, my biggest advice is to focus on authenticity and consistency. Be yourself and share what you genuinely love—people can sense when something is forced. Posting regularly is also crucial, but don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Social media is a long game, and growth often happens in waves.

Another important piece of advice is to engage with your audience. Social media isn’t just about posting content; it’s about building a community. Respond to comments, ask your followers for input, and make them feel seen. That interaction creates a deeper connection and keeps people coming back.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment. Social media is constantly evolving, and trends change quickly. Try different formats, styles, and ideas until you find what resonates with your audience. Be open to change and ready to adapt, but always stay true to who you are and what you want to share. It’s the combination of authenticity, consistency, and adaptability that will ultimately help you build a lasting social media presence.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely, the core mission driving my creative journey is to make food accessible, enjoyable, and inclusive for everyone. When I started @cookwithskye on TikTok, my goal was to create recipes that anyone, regardless of their experience in the kitchen, could easily follow and feel confident making. I wanted to take the intimidation out of cooking and show people that it doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious.

Beyond that, a big part of my mission has evolved into supporting and shining a light on local food communities. Living in Arizona, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with so many amazing restaurants, chefs, and food artisans who are creating incredible things. Sharing their stories and their food with my audience has become just as important to me as the recipes I create in my own kitchen. I want to bridge the gap between home cooking and the local food scene, showing people that great food experiences can happen both at home and when exploring your local community.

I’m also passionate about helping small businesses grow through the content I create. Whether it’s featuring a local spot or collaborating with brands that align with my values, my goal is to create authentic partnerships that benefit both my audience and the businesses I work with.

At the heart of it, my mission is all about connection. Whether it’s helping someone feel more comfortable in the kitchen, introducing them to a new restaurant, or creating content that resonates, I want my work to bring people together through food. It’s more than just recipes or reviews, it’s about fostering a community that appreciates the joy of food in all its forms. That’s what keeps me motivated and excited to keep creating.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.skylerpaladino.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skylerpaladino
• Other: https://tiktok.com/@cookwithskye